THE SNP meets for its annual conference this weekend, the first gathering since the party lost all six Glasgow seats in the General Election.

The event, the party’s 90th annual conference will hear from John Swinney, in his first conference speech as leader.

Swinney is due to open the conference tomorrow and they close it with his leader's speech on Sunday.

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He will use the platform to criticise the planned spending cuts by the new UK Labour government, which he said will have an impact on the quality of life in Scotland.

Ahead of the three-day conference in Edinburgh, Swinney, said: “SNP delegates gather this weekend in Edinburgh at the end of a watershed week in UK politics.

“The Prime Minister’s speech on Tuesday has made clear that Scotland is facing years of austerity under Labour, which will have profound consequences for public services and living standards.”

The SNP said the decision by the UK Government to means test the winter fuel payment to only those pensioners on pension credit will cost Scotland around £160m in funding.

And on Wednesday in Glasgow Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the problems in the UK finances will not be resolved in one budget.

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Swinney added: “I am listening to the people of Scotland and their priorities and I am lucky to be supported by thousands of dedicated and determined SNP members who want to see our country move forward.

“I am proud to lead a government which is delivering transformational change for people across Scotland.”

At the General Election, the SNP lost 39 seats going down to nine MPs.

Swinney will look to galvanise the members as it begins preparations for eh next Scottish Parliament election in 2026.

Swinney said: “The SNP Government is focused on ending child poverty, supporting economic growth, improving public services and tackling the climate emergency.

“But be in no doubt – our ability to serve the people of Scotland is under real threat by the sweeping spending cuts that the Labour government are introducing – cuts that, only a few months ago, they were denying would take place. The SNP, and indeed Scotland as a whole, must come together to stand up against Labour’s cuts.”

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Swinney restated the SNP belief that independence is the best route to improving public services and the economy in Scotland. 

He added: “My belief that Scotland will be better as an independent country has never been stronger - and I know that we will win our independence when we show the people of Scotland that the powers of independence are central to improving their living standards, their local services and their communities.

“Under my leadership, the SNP will work harder than ever for the country that we are so privileged to lead. What people in Scotland need right now is hope and ambition for a better future - and that is what the SNP will offer.”

The conference will debate and vote on a number of resolutions including tax powers, austerity, housing, drug deaths and abortion rights.